3. Rear Commodore's Report
By the time you read this the Change of Watch will have occurred. I'd like to thank the membership for placing your confidence in me by electing me as your Rear Commodore. When I retired from university administration, I had expected to relax and go sailing as much as possible. However, when presented with the opportunity to give back to QCYC in such a meaningful way, I couldn't turn my back and I enthusiastically look forward to contributing whatever talents I have to the major challenges facing the club. Challenges also present us with opportunities and I trust the membership will constructively work with me in fulfilling my duties.
Speaking of my duties, the Rear Commodore is responsible for the areas of grounds, security and membership. I'm fortunate to have three very capable individuals assisting me. With regard to grounds, Linda Roehl has agreed to be our Grounds Chair. Linda brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to her role. I think it's fair to say that the club grounds have grown beyond our expectations this year! One of my goals is to find a long-term solution to the constant (and dangerous) north hill. I've already begun some very preliminary discussions with a landscape architect to identify solutions. Of more immediate concern, however, is the current state of the grounds. To that end, we are having a major grounds clean-up on September 22nd and I hope as many of the members as possible can help restore us to a landscape we can enjoy – come and spend as much time as you can. We need your help. Full details are on the web site and in the Bilge Pump. See you then!
Security is in the very capable hands of Dick Geving. Dick previously served as Security Chair so he knows the strengths and weakness of our current system and he's been helping me to get acclimated. Over the course of the year, we'll be making some upgrades which will improve our current security system and increase member safety throughout the club's property.
Mark LaFountaine has agreed to continue his fine work as Membership Chair. Obviously, it is vitally important that we continue to increase our membership in order to stay economically and socially viable as an organization. New members bring us new enthusiasm, ideas and personalities which keeps the club vibrant. Not to be crass, but new members also represent significant financial resources for the club. We currently have vacancies for approximately 30 new members. This represents $90,000 in initiation fees, not to mention annual dues for the length of their membership. This is a revenue stream area we should all strive to address – REMEMBER, the #1 reason people don't join organizations is that they're not asked to join! Please ask … and let's get back to our full membership of 400 active members!
On a personal note, Elaine and I are looking forward to meeting and socializing with as many members as possible. While we can't lay claim to knowing everyone at the club, we want to do our best to correct that situation. I'm looking forward to a productive year as Rear Commodore and I invite you to join me in doing our collective best to support our club, our officers, board members, committee chairs, social events, and yes, our work parties. I'm excited and looking forward to working with each of you as we start the New Year.
Fair winds,
Ed Jennerich
Rear Commodore
